Yomogi (Artemisia princeps)

The perennial Yomogi, also known as Japanese Mugwort, Korean Wormwood, Korean Mugwort is a highly aromatic, light-green leafy medicinal herb. It's native to China, Japan and Korea and a member of the Asteraceae family along with Electric Daisies and Earth Apples. 

Yomogi bears feather shaped leaves with fuzzy undersides which can be found naturally  growing in grasslands and furrows. These Yomogi leaves have long been used in eastern medicine to detox and beautify skin due to their long list of essential oils and minerals and have also been used as a natural green food dye! The Yomogi leaves are a signature ingredient of Japanese kusa mochi, a vibrant green “grass cake” made by boiling Yomogi then pounding it into mochi rice. In late summer Yomogi fills fields with late summer buff-colored blossoms and makes a gorgeous backdrop. 

For best harvest, cut the nutrient-rich leaves and stems while still young and add to salads. For a less bitter taste, boil the leaves and add them to stir fries. No matter how you prefer to prepare it, you’re in for a treat!